The San Antonio Spurs made a slow start to the season, but they appear to be moving through the gears now as they claimed a win over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night.
The Spurs have now won six straight with Kawhi Leonard leading them to victory with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while he also matched a career high with five steals.
Tony Parker added 23 points and nine assists while Danny Green went 5-for-6 on 3-pointers for his 19 pointers as the defending champions continue to click into place at just the right time.
However, there was a small scare as Tim Duncan suffered an elbow injury, but it was immediately released that it wasn’t serious as San Antonio nearly squandered a 26-point lead at one stage.
Staying in the West, the New Orleans Pelicans continue to put the pressure on the Oklahoma City Thunder for the eighth and final playoff spot, as they defeated the Brooklyn Nets on the road.
Alexis Ajinca and Quincy Pondexter each scored 17 points as Anthony Davis was given the night off to an extent, but the Pelicans big man still had time to throw down this high alley oop as he scored 15 points.
Omer Asik had 12 points and 15 rebounds as the Pelicans won for a third consecutive game, and they have now moved within percentage points of the Thunder.
The Los Angeles Lakes were also winners on Tuesday as they defeated the Detroit Pistons at the Staples Center, with Ed Davis putting up 13 points and six rebounds to snap a five-game losing streak.
Greg Monroe had 24 points and nine rebounds for the visitors, but he missed a key pair of free-throws down the stretch as the Pistons fell to a shock loss.
Over in the East, the Indiana Pacers continued their good form with a win over the Orlando Magic, while the Cleveland Cavaliers were also big winners as they sealed a rout of the Dallas Mavericks.
LeBron James filled the stat sheet with 27 points, seven rebounds and eight assists as he went without the headband, with the Cavs now winning 12 of their last 13 games.
Kyrie Irving added 22 points, Kevin Love had 21 points and 14 rebounds while Timofey Mozgov (17 points) and JR Smith (21 points) all contributed.
NBA Results
Orlando Magic 86-118 Indiana Pacers
New Orleans Pelicans 111-91 Brooklyn Nets
Cleveland Cavaliers 127-94 Dallas Mavericks
Toronto Raptors 107-117 San Antonio Spurs
New York Knicks 82-87 Utah Jazz
Detroit Pistons 85-93 Los Angeles Lakers
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